---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 U.S.C. § 5110"
title: "46"
title_heading: "Shipping"
number: "5110"
heading: "Submersible vessels"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/46/5110"
units:
  - "Subtitle II — Vessels and Seamen"
  - "Part C — Load Lines of Vessels"
  - "Chapter 51 — Load Lines"
---

# §5110. Submersible vessels


Notwithstanding sections 5103–5105 of this title, the [Secretary](/usc/46/2101.md?p=46) may prescribe regulations for [submersible vessels](/usc/46/2101.md?p=51) to provide a minimum level of safety. In developing the regulations, the [Secretary](/usc/46/2101.md?p=46) shall consider factors relevant to [submersible vessels](/usc/46/2101.md?p=51), including the structure, stability, and watertight integrity of those vessels.


## Source credit

(Pub. L. 99–509, title V, § 5101(2), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1917.)

## Notes

### Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section 5110

Section 5110 authorizes the Secretary to prescribe regulations for the marking of load lines of submersible vessels. This general authority has been included in anticipation of the commercial development of submersibles.